HEART Technology Student Eyes WorldSkills Glory in China

Nine-hour training days and countless hours of self-study have become the norm for 19-year-old Courtenay Ferguson as he prepares to represent Jamaica at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, this September.

A past student of Cornwall College, Courtenay, who is currently enrolled at the HEART College of Innovation and Technology (HCIT), will compete in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Network Infrastructure category.

“I was introduced to WorldSkills around the time when they announced the national competition last year. I was a system admin student… so I got involved by training for the national competition. I was then selected to represent Jamaica internationally when my skill area was chosen for Shanghai,” he tells JIS News.

Although his current focus is ICT Network Infrastructure, Courtenay’s interest in technical disciplines dates back to high school, where he studied engineering-related subjects such as Electrical Technology, Technical Drawing and Architecture.

The deeper he immersed himself in the field, the more he recognised the opportunities and possibilities it had to offer.

“I try to understand the importance of each skill area. For example, in network infrastructure, you understand how the Internet works, how you can set it up and how you can be your own technician if you want to. In my course, system admin, you understand how servers are vital to running modern technology,” he explains.

Following months of intensive preparation, Courtenay is now refining the practical skills needed for international competition.

His training includes installing fibre-optic, copper ethernet and coaxial cable networks, configuring smart-home technologies and developing the troubleshooting skills needed to diagnose and resolve networking issues.

Balancing expert guidance with independent learning at home, Courtenay has successfully combined his studies with an intensive training schedule, dedicating nine hours each day to honing his skills.

“My father basically gives me full support, and he’s cheering me along the entire way. From HEART, I’ve gotten good help from my teachers and other experts from HCIT,” he says.

Representing Jamaica on the international stage carries special significance for the young competitor.

“Honestly, it feels great. I’m excited because it’s the first time I’m leaving the country. I’m looking forward to a good competition and a great opportunity to learn and experience,” Courtenay says.